Scan barcode
A review by brodeheim
The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen's Race to the South Pole, Revised and Updated by Roland Huntford
3.0
This book can be a great exercise in critical thinking. Huntford’s bias for Amundsen and disdain against Scott can be very subtle (e.g. “Amundsen seemed to...”) or exaggerated (to the extent of accusing Scott of holding Wilson and Bowers back and dooming them to protect his reputation - with pretty much no evidence). I’m not too thrilled about his notions of femininity either, but it’s written in the 70s so gah, never mind. So just be very aware of his biases as you read, and after you’re done, check out other books on the race to the pole for a more balanced understanding. 3 stars for not keeping to a more objective point of view.
Shortcomings aside, this is really a great textbook on leadership and our perceptions of achievement. To Huntford’s credit, he takes great pains to explain the rationale behind all their expedition preparations, so people like me unacquainted with cold weather and outdoor treks can understand the rationale behind their decisions.
The thing that intrigued me (and riled Huntford) the most was this: Scott bungled (Huntford’s word of choice) the expedition and was doomed by his shoddy preparation and incompetence, yet dying in his self-manufactured struggle made him a hero in public eyes. Amundsen planned meticulously and made great decisions during the expedition, but the lack of near-deaths, starvation and unnecessary struggle doesn’t make for hero worship. Their dual tales are best summed up with what’s become a favourite quote of mine: “Adventure is a sign of incompetence.”
Shortcomings aside, this is really a great textbook on leadership and our perceptions of achievement. To Huntford’s credit, he takes great pains to explain the rationale behind all their expedition preparations, so people like me unacquainted with cold weather and outdoor treks can understand the rationale behind their decisions.
The thing that intrigued me (and riled Huntford) the most was this: Scott bungled (Huntford’s word of choice) the expedition and was doomed by his shoddy preparation and incompetence, yet dying in his self-manufactured struggle made him a hero in public eyes. Amundsen planned meticulously and made great decisions during the expedition, but the lack of near-deaths, starvation and unnecessary struggle doesn’t make for hero worship. Their dual tales are best summed up with what’s become a favourite quote of mine: “Adventure is a sign of incompetence.”